Biography
After many years of training at the provincial and national levels of soccer, Derick left his sporting roots behind to explore the world of dance. Starting out as just a hobby, dance has grown into more than just a passion; it’s his way of life. Derick graduated from George Brown Dance’s P106 Commercial Dance Program in 2011. He has had the opportunity to work with such artists as Down With Webster for the 2013 MMVA’s, Divine Brown at the “Toronto New Years Bash” in 2011, and Lady Gaga at the 2011 “Much Music Video Awards”. He is the founder and choreographer for the all male Hip-Hop dance crew, The O.G. Crew (Original Gentlemen). They have competed at World of Dance Toronto, The Canadian Street Dance Championships, and on Much Music’s Best Dance Crew, and performed for Trish at The America’s Next Top Model Live Event in Toronto, which he choreographed. Derick is also a member of the Toronto Raptors North Side Crew.
Over the past few years Derick has developed and refined his own style of dance that is only starting to be exposed to the Toronto scene. His work has been seen at The Bazaar Showcase, On Much Music and at Toronto’s Choreographer’s Ball. He believes that creating a connection between emotion, movement and the music is what makes his choreography so unique. Derick’s choreography is based with Hip-Hop, but he likes to fuse it with other styles such as African and contemporary. Derick enjoys sharing his passion for dance with his students and is currently a Hip-Hop instructor at George Brown Dance.
Academic Credentials
Dance Certificate, George Brown College, P106 Commercial Dance, 2011.
Areas of Specialization
Hip-Hop
Career Highlights
Founder/Choreographer of The Original Gentlemen (The O.G Crew)
North Side Crew, Dancer
America’s Next Top Model Live Toronto – Trish Choreographer (The O.G Crew)
“Full Out” Movie – Featured Dancer, 2014
Much Music Video Awards, Ariana Grande, 2014
Much Music Video Awards, Down With Webster, 2013
Shawn Desman’s “Alive” Movie – Dancer, 2012
Trish’s “I Like Em” Tour – Choreographer, 2012
OIP Teaching Faculty
Awards
Monsters of Hip-Hop Show Finalist Nominee, 2012 & 2013
Monsters of Hip-Hop Millennium Dance Scholarship
Most Improved Dancer in One Semester, George Brown College, 2011
Costal Dance Rage, Class Scholarship & Dancer of the weekend scholarship